4 Tips To Planning A California Vacation

With its sunny beaches, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities, California has something for everyone looking to spend a little time relaxing in the Golden State. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled road trip, there’s no better place to plan your vacation than the state best known for being the entertainment capital of the world. When making your plans, here are a few tips that can make the process easier so you can get to focusing on enjoying yourself as quickly as possible.

Decide Where You Want to Go 

California is large enough that it can take days just to get from one end of the state to the other, and that’s without stopping to enjoy everything the state has to offer. That means it’s essential to decide where you want to go and what you want to do for your vacation. Do some research on what each region has to offer and make a list of places that interest you the most. From there, narrow down your list until you have an idea of your ideal vacation hotspots and the things you’d most like to experience.

There's something to appeal to everyone in California, whether that be the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California or the majestic forests of Northern California. South Lake Tahoe offers delightful skiing and winter activities, while Monterey Bay's spectacular coastal views are second to none. Santa Barbara is known for its gorgeous weather and wine country, providing lots of opportunity for relaxation and exploration. There truly is no wrong choice when it comes to things to do among the state's many offerings – you just need decide which ones appeal to you most and plan your trip accordingly. 

Set a Budget 

The next step is setting a proper budget for your trip. A good rule of thumb is to figure out how much you can afford and then divide that amount by the number of days in your trip. This will give you an idea of how much money you have available for things such as lodging and sightseeing each day, along with food expenses and a little extra leftover for souvenirs and keepsakes you might want to splurge on. Make sure to include extra money for emergencies as well, as you never know when your car could get a flat or you could be facing unexpected charges along the way. 

Book Your Accommodations 

Once you know your destination and budget, it’s time to book your stay. With the vast selection of hotels in California, you can select one that meets both your budget and desired amenities. From suites near Anaheim Convention Center to pet-friendly rooms in Santa Barbara, there is something for everyone. If hotels are not in your budget range, consider booking an Airbnb or planning for the rustic experience of camping as both options offer a great deal of savings over traditional hotel stays.

Research What To Do Once You Arrive

Finally, once all the logistics are taken care of, it's time for the fun part – researching what activities are available in each location on your itinerary. Fortunately, California has something for everyone no matter what type of activities they enjoy – from hiking trails through redwood forests to wine tasting tours through Napa Valley – so take some time before your trip starts researching everything that's available in each city or region on your list. Doing this ahead of time will ensure that once you arrive at each destination on your journey, there won't be any surprises waiting for you – only fun ones!   

Planning a vacation in California is easy with these four simple tips. Start by deciding where in the state you want to go, then set a budget based on how many days are in your trip and book accommodations accordingly. Finally, do some research on activities offered at each destination before leaving home so nothing catches you off guard when travelling around The Golden State. Follow these steps and soon enough you'll be enjoying all the sights, sounds and flavors California has to offer.